Subaru 12108AA890 Bearing Set Connect Rod

To simplify the further work, it is necessary to clean and inspect the connecting rods together with the crankshaft, as well as decide on the replacement of the bearings; Then you can install the connecting rods on the crankshaft. Whenever new bearings are being used it is necessary to measure the oil clearance before final connecting-rod installation; if the clearance is within this limit the connecting rods may be installed because it has been found that even though new bearings may be used people tend to suppose that the clerk of the clearance is correct without actually checking it. Make sure the bearing faces and backs are clean, implant the bearing faces' tab to the connecting rod and cap. Scrub the first connecting rod journal on the crankshaft and fit number one connecting rod into position with arrow on the side of the connecting rod pointing forward on the crankshaft. Place a strip of Plastigage on the crankshaft journal slightly off center, then loosely bolt the connecting rod cap in place, do not rotate the rod on the journal, lining up the bolt cap mark with that on the rod. Cover the threads of the connecting rods' nuts or bolts with lubrication and tighten them to the recommended torque. After the nuts or bolts of the connecting rod have been tightened and without the connecting rod rotating, pull the Plastigage and use the Plastigage Width Chart to determine the width of the Plastigage, which points out that the connecting rod oil clearance is normally about 0.001-0.002 inch, and further suggestions on the specific clearance requirements may be sought from an automotive machine shop. If the clearances are acceptable, apply a coat of moly based assembly lube on both sides of bearing of number 1 connecting rod and fasten the nuts / bolts to 1/16th inch, 3/32nd inch and finally the target torque. Thus, it is necessary to repeat this procedure for the remaining connecting rods while not mixing them with the connecting caps and not turning them around. Final check has to be the recheck of the connecting rod side clearance; now that the connecting rods are in, rotate them by hand carefully to see whether any of the connecting rod bearings are binding.

Once the crankshaft and connecting rods have been cleaned and inspected, and a decision has been made regarding bearing replacement, it's important to check the oil clearances before the final installation of the connecting rods.

If the play exceeds the service limit, new connecting rods will be required.

The endplay measurement represents the thickness of the feeler gauge(s) used.